By Mark N. Mengonfia
Monrovia-The Liberia National Police has declared Mulbah Morlu, the lead planner of July 17 “peaceful protest,” “armed and dangerous” and ordered him to immediately surrender a police-issued firearm.
During the protest, Morlu, chairman of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), said a firearm was confiscated from an individual he said was planted to disrupt the demonstration.
Contrary to his claim, LNP said it received credible intelligence indicating that a weapon was seized from a police officer during the demonstration which was intended for “unlawful and nefarious purposes.”
“Based on the intelligence available, the individual identified as Mr. Mulbah Morlu, chairman of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), is believed to be in unlawful possession of the weapon,” the LNP said in the release.
The police urged the public to exercise extreme caution and warned officers not to confront Morlu alone.
“The LNP directs that all Liberia National Police personnel and all other law enforcement officers who may come into contact with Mr. Mulbah Morlu should not attempt to engage or confront him alone,” the release said.
It added that officers should immediately notify the appropriate command authority or the nearest police operational center so a coordinated response can be initiated.
The police said any operational response will be carried out in accordance with the applicable rules of engagement, the law and established police procedures, the LNP said.
The police issued a final warning to Morlu to surrender the firearm at the nearest police station or any recognized law enforcement authority.
“Failure to do so will result in every lawful measure being taken to recover the weapon and bring all responsible persons before the courts,” the release said.
The LNP also asked anyone with credible information about Morlu’s whereabouts or the firearm to report it to the nearest police station or established LNP emergency channels, and advised citizens not to approach or try to apprehend him.
The LNP said it remains committed to public safety, protecting constitutional rights and holding accountable anyone who uses violence or unlawfully possesses firearms.
The Local Daily reached out to Mr. Mulbah via his WhatsApp account but has yet responded to our inquiries about if the firearm was confiscated from a ‘planted’ individual or an officer of the LNP.
He has not responded to our inquiry but a post on his verified social media account says “I will go live shortly to deal with and expose Gregory Coleman’s cowardly threats on my life tonight!.”
